Positive training · From eight weeks

Shih Tzu Puppy Training Manual

From 8 Weeks

Shih Tzu: offer the brush, pause often and build cooperative grooming through consent.

29 chapters · English / 中文

Shih Tzu: offer the brush, pause often and build cooperative grooming through consent.

Breed profile

Training group: Toy and companion dogs
Origin: The Shih Tzu originated in China as a court companion dog.
Weight: 4–7 kg
Coat: Long double coat
Coat care: Condition brushing, combing and eye-area handling through small voluntary steps so coat care and cleaning do not become recurring forced conflict.
Drive keywords: Living closely with people · Sensitivity · Playful engagement
Handling practice: Separate long-double-coat care into presentation of the tool, body-area touch and one easy brush or comb stroke, followed by a marker, reward and release. · Condition eye-area handling without restraint: approach, brief touch or cleaning motion, marker, reward and release before the puppy turns away; consult a veterinarian about any health concern.

General reference range only; individual dogs vary considerably.

FluffyWA

Edition 2026-08

Positive training · From eight weeks

Shih Tzu Puppy Training ManualFrom 8 Weeks

A practical manual for families bringing home an eight-week-old Shih Tzu puppy, with voluntary coat and eye-area handling, short interesting lessons and cautious heat management built into the plan.

Core training period Arrival at 8 weeks through the 16-week socialisation window

Roadmap beyond puppyhood Clear next steps through 6 and 12 months

Prepared by FluffyWA Pty Ltd · Southern River, Western Australia

Start with the route you need

How to use this manual

This is an execution manual, not a book to read once and shelve.

Every practical chapter ends with “Do these three things,” so you always know what to do this week. Printable logs and scorecards are collected in Chapter 27.

Choose your reading path

Path 01

The puppy arrived today

Set up the environment and routine first, then move directly to toileting and crate work.

06 07 10 11

Path 02

The puppy has been home for two weeks

Build marker and focus skills, then address mouthing and safe socialisation.

08 09 13 16

Path 03

Is the Shih Tzu right for your home?

Read the breed reality, the developmental clock and the long-term exercise limits before deciding.

04 05 20

How to read the cards

Warning card

Safety or behaviour risk

Stop, lower the difficulty and manage the situation before continuing.

Goal card

A clear passing standard

Use the stated behaviour and success rate to decide whether to progress.

Time card

Length of one session

End while the puppy is still successful; more minutes are not automatically better.

Training with FluffyWA

Day school, board & train and private sessions are quoted after a chat, and boarding or daycare can be booked online with live prices.

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